Rhyl prepares for its festival weekend

THE countdown has begun to Proms on the proms and the first ever Gwyl Ger y Môr festival.

Denbighshire County Council will stage both events this bank holiday weekend at the Rhyl Events Arena.

Proms on the Prom will take place on Sunday (August, 24) and will be headlined by by Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro.

The band, who specialise in musical theatre, will be joined by former Britain's Got Talent finalists Richard and Adam, as well Rhys Meirion, Piantel, Graffiti Classic and Sioned Terry.

The free event will take place between 12pm and 4pm.

On Bank Holiday Monday, performers will take to the stage for the first ever Gwyl Ger y Môr - a celebration of Welsh culture.

This free event will be held between 12pm and 8pm. Artists confirmed include Bryn Fôn, Gwibdaith Hen Fran, Y Moniars, Piantel, Meinir Gwilym, Sunami and Gildas.

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire's head of communication, marketing and leisure, said: "We are delighted to be staging two such prestigious events at the Events Arena.

"Proms on the Prom is an established festival which attracts the crowds and we are hoping for a great turn out again this year. This mix of music styles should appeal to a wide audience.

"Gwyl Ger y Môr is first for the Council and has been arranged to celebrate and promote Welsh culture.

"As a Council we have made a firm commitment to enhancing the use of the Welsh language in our county and encouraging residents and visitors to gain a better understanding of Welsh culture and traditions.

"We now have a greater focus in Denbighshire on attracting and arranging major events that will assist in promoting Welsh culture, but also ensuring that local businesses and the wider Denbighshire economy benefit from our new approach."